Set amidst the backdrop of the political upheaval and turmoil in the Dominican Republic in 1960, Before We Were Free is the fictionalized account of oSet amidst the backdrop of the political upheaval and turmoil in the Dominican Republic in 1960, Before We Were Free is the fictionalized account of one family's struggle for survival, safety, and eventually freedom. Anita de la Torre has never questioned her freedom, that is until she hears Papi and Mommy whispering about butterflies, Mr. Smith, disappearences of loved-ones, and police terrorism. She fears for her Papi and Tio Toni who seem to be part of an uprising and a plot to overthrow the current regime of ruthless dictator Rafael Trujillo.

First Tio Toni disappears and then her beloved Papi goes missing, too. Anita, her mother, and her brother Mundín, must go into hiding for safety. Anita's sister Lucinda has already fled the dangerous country for safety in the United States with relatives after capturing the attention of the notorious womanizer, El Jefe, also known as Rafael Trujillo. Hidden away in a neighbor's closet, Anita is confused about her entry in young adulthood, her father's involvement in the turbulent events, and awakening first-love feelings. To help her cope with her fears and uncertainty, Anita begins writes in a diary to record her worries and the events taking place in her country.

Tragedy does strike the de la Torre clan, but somehow the survivors find a way to escape the eventual onslaught of upcoming imprisonments and danger and begin to lead the life that everyone is entitled to. It is certain that Anita will miss her home, her country of The Dominican Republic and will always long to go back, but for the time being she is safe within the arms of extended family and friends and living in a country which upholds freedom for all.

It is 1930 and Esperanza and her parents live in luxury and wealth in Aguascalientes, Mexico on their ranch. Servants Hortensia, Alfonso and their sonIt is 1930 and Esperanza and her parents live in luxury and wealth in Aguascalientes, Mexico on their ranch. Servants Hortensia, Alfonso and their son Miguel are more like family to them and treat them as such. When Papa is brutally murdered, their life changes drastically and they are forced to travel across the border to find work with the migrant workers of California. Esperanza is not used to this life, and at first, she is resentful and ashamed of her new living quarters.

More sorrows are forthcoming and slowly Esperanza realizes that family, security, and work is her saving grace. She takes over when Mama becomes ill and puts food on the table, as she and the other migrant workers toil in the fruit and vegetable fields of Southern California. Told in chapters that follow the growing and harvesting seasons of these foods, Esperanza grows and matures right along with them. Esperanza Rising is a glimpse into the plight of the Mexican farm worker in the 30's, struggles of The Great Depression, and one family's determination to stay together during these troubling times. ...more